1996 PONTIAC GRAND-AM tire pressure

The anti-lock system can change the brake pressure
faster than any driver
could. The computer is
programmed to make the most of available tire and road
conditions.
Here’s how anti-lock works. Let’s say the road is wet.
You’re driving safely. Suddenly an animal jumps out in
front
of you.
You slam on the brakes. Here’s what happens with ABS.
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If one
of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will
separately
work the brakes at each front wheel and at the
rear wheels. You
can steer around the obstacle
while braking hard.
As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates on
wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly.
4-7
ProCarManuals.com

Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up
under your tires that they can actually ride on the water.
This can happen if the road is wet enough and you’re
going fast enough. When your vehicle
is hydroplaning,
it has little or no contact with the road.
Hydroplaning doesn’t happen often. But
it can if your
tires haven’t much tread or if the pressure in one or
more
is low. It can happen if a lot of water is standing on
the road. If you can see reflections from trees, telephone
poles or
other vehicles, and raindrops “dimple” the
water’s surface, there could
be hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There
just isn’t a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The
best advice is to slow down when it is raining.
Driving Through Deep Standing Water
NOTICE:.
If you drive too quickly through deep puddles or
standing water, water can come in through your
engine’s air intake and badly damage
your
engine. Never drive through water that is slightly
lower than the underbody
of your vehicle. If you
can’t avoid deep puddles or standing water, drive
through them very slowly.
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips
TUm on your low-beam headlamps -- not just your
parking
lamps -- to help make you more visible to ‘’
others.
Besides slowing down, allow some extra following
distance.
And be especially careful when you pass
another vehicle. Allow yourself
more clear room
ahead, and be prepared to have your view restricted
by road spray.
“Tires”
in the Index.)
Have good tires with proper tread depth. (See
4-19
ProCarManuals.com

The exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according
to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After
driving for any distance
at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are going
slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must
start when you’re not fresh -- such as after a day’s
work
-- don’t plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. Weax comfortable clothing and shoes you
can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it’s ready to
go. If it needs
service, have it done before
starting out. Of course,
you’ll find experienced and
able service experts in
Pontiac dealerships all across North America. They’ll be
ready and willing to help
if you. need it. Here are some things
you can check before a trip:
WindshieZd Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir
full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
‘Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
all levels?
trouble-free
trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated
to the
‘ recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a short
time to avoid a major
storm system?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
4-22
ProCarManuals.com

Loading Your Vehicle
/@!!!I OCCUPANTS VEHICLE CAP. WT.

TIRE-LOADING INFORMATION
FRT. CTR. RR. TOTAL LBS. *KG
. ..
MAX. LOADING & GVWR SAME AS VEHICLE
CAPACITY WEIGHT XXX COLD TIRE
TIRE SIZE SPEED PRESSURE
FRT.
RTG PSI/KPa
RR.
SPA.
IF TIRES ARE,HOT, ADD 4PS1/28KPa
SEE OWNER'S MANUAL FOR ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it
may properly carry. The Tire-Loading Information label
found on the driver's door tells
you the proper size,
speed rating and recommended inflation pressures for
the tires on
your vehicle. It also gives you important
information about
the number of people that can be in
your vehicle and the total weight that you can carry.
This weight is called the Vehicle Capacity Weight and
includes the weight of all occupants, cargo and all
nonfactory-installed
options.
THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO ALL APPLI-
SAFETY, BUMPER, AND THEFT PREVENTION
MANUFACTURE SHOWN ABOVE.
CABLE- U.S. FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE
STANDARDS IN EFFElCT ON THE DATE OF
The other label is the Certification label, found on the
rear edge of the driver's door. It tells you the GVMrR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The GVWa includes the
weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo.
Never exceed the
GVWa for your vehicle, or the Gruss
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or rear
axle.
.
And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread it
out. Don't carry
more than 132 lbs. (60 kg) in your trunk
4-32
ProCarManuals.com

Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important
weight to measure because it affects the total capacity
weight of your vehicle. The capacity weight includes the
curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry
in
it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle. And
if you will tow a trailer, you must subtract the tongue _.
load from your vehicle’s capacity weight because your
vehicle will be carrying that weight,
too. See “Loading
Your Vehicle” in the Index for more information about
yow vehicle’s maximum load capacity.
B
If you’re using a “dead-weight” hitch, the trailer
tongue
(A) should weigh 10% of the total loaded trailer
weight
(€3). If you have a “weight-distributing” hitch,
the trailer tongue
(A) should weigh 12% of the total
loaded
trailer weight (B).
After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights me
proper. If they aren’t, you may be able to get them right
simply
by moving some items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the
recornended pressure for cold tires. You’ll find these
numbers on
the Certification label at the rear edge of the
driver’s door or see “Loading Your Vehicle” in the
Index. Then be sure you don’t
go over the GVW limit
for your vehicle, including the weight
of the trailer r
tongue.
.’ . :
4-36
ProCarManuals.com

Compact Spare Tire
Although the compact spare tire was fully inflated’when
your vehicle was new, it can lose air after
a time. Check
the inflation pressure regularly.
It should be 60 psi
(42Q Wa).
After installing
the compact spare on your vehicle, you
should stop as soon as possible and make sure your
spare tire is correctly inflated. “The compact spare is
made to perfonnwell at posted speed limits for
distances up to.3,OOO miles
(5 000 km), so you can
finish your trip
and have your full-size tire repaired or
replaced where you want. Of course, it’s best to replace
your spare with a full-size tire as soon as you can. Your
spare
will last longer and be in good shape in case you
need it again.
NOTICE:
When the compact spare is installed, don’t take
your vehicle through,an automatic
car wash with
guide rails. The compact spare can get caught
on
the rails. That can damage the tire and wheel,
and maybe’ other parts
of your vehicle.
Don’t use your compact spare on other vehicles.
And don’t
mix your compact spare tire or wheel with
other wheels or tires. They won’t fit. Keep your spare
tire and its wheel together.
i
NOTICE:
Tire chains won’t fit your compact spare. Using
them can damage your vehicle and can damage
,the chains too. Don’t use tire chains on’-your
compact spare.
5-31
ProCarManuals.com

Replacement blades come in different types and are removed in different ways. Here’s how to remove the
type with a release clip:
1. Pull the windshield wiper am away from the ‘
2. Lift the release clip with a screwdriver and pull the
3. Push the new wiper blade securely on the wiper arm.
For the proper type and size, see “Capacities and
Specifications”
in the Index.
windshield.
blade assembly
off the wiper arm.
Tires
We don’t make tires. Your new Pontiac comes with
highquality tires made by a leading tire manufacturer. If
you ever have questions about your tire warranty and
where to obtain service, see your Pontiac Warranty
booklet for details.
.-
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires are
dangerous.
Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as
a result of too much friction.
You could have an air-out and a serious
accident. See “Loading Your Vehicle” in the
Index.
Underinflated tires pose the same danger as
overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury.
Check all tires
frequently
to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.
Overinflated tires are more likely
to be
cut, punctured or broken
by a sudden
impact
-- such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents.
If your
tread is badly worn, or
if your tires have
been damaged, replace
them.
6-37
ProCarManuals.com

Inflation - Tire Pressure
The Tire-Lo,ading Information label which is on the rear
edge
of the driver’s door shows the correct inflation
preissures for your tires when they’re
cold. “Cold”
means your vehicle has
been sitting for at least three
hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
~~ ~~ ~~
NOTICE:
Don’t let anyone tell you that underinflation or
overinflation is all right. It’s not. 1% your tires
don’t have enough air (underinflation),, you can
get the following:
0 Too much flexing
0 Too much heat
0 Tire overloading
Bad wear
Bad handling
Bad fuel economy.
NOTICE: (Continued)
~~ ~~
NOTICE: (Continued)
If
your tires
have too much air (overinflation),
you can get the following:’
e Unusual wear
* Bad handling
* Rough ride
e Needless damage from road hazards.
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more.
Don’t forget your compact spare tire. It should
be at
60 psi (420 Wa).
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire
pressure.
You can’t tell if your tires are properly inflated
simply
by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they’re underinflated.
Be sure
to put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and
moisture.
6-38
ProCarManuals.com